Almost 3,000 swimmers hit the surf today in the iconic Cole Classic ocean swim on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, raising thousands of dollars for charities.
Swimmers came from near and far to take part in the one, two and five-kilometre swims from Shelly to Manly beaches.
Mayor Michael Regan said the Cole Classic was one of the celebrated ocean swims in Australia which was threatened to be cancelled because of COVID concerns that have caused many community event to be abandoned in the last year.
“I want to congratulate the winners and all the participants in today’s swim that has capped off a weekend of outdoor activities that we take for granted on the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Regan said.
“Including yesterday’s Sun Run, we’ve seen around 6,000 people come and celebrate the great outdoors lifestyle we enjoy on the Beaches.
“In the spirit of true community, thanks also go to volunteers, officials and staff for making this great event possible and run so smoothly.”
For the second year running, Manly Life Saving Club hosted and produced the event that was limited to 3,000 participants due to current Health Orders for community sports events.
Race Director, John Thomson said: “Congratulations to all of our incredible Cole Classic swimmers in what was the 39th edition of our iconic event.
“This year we were limited to 2,900 swimmers and we sold out with a week to go. Even with this restriction, we have raised over $120,000 for a variety of charities.
“A massive thanks to all the amazing swimmers and volunteers who make the Cole Classic a truly special day.”
Winners
1km swim: Men
1st Callum Thomas 10:22
2nd William Gray 10:31
3rd Jordan Harkins 10:47
1km swim: Women
1st Zannah Dixon 11:15
2nd Meghan Andren 11:40
3rd Laetitia Everingham 11:59
2km swim: Men
1st Logan Kaye 22:47
2nd Ollie Signorini 23:01
3rd Jarrod Poort 23:09
2km swim: Women
1st Lexi Harrison 25:14
2nd Alex Lawrence 26:55
3rd Zannah Dixon 27:00
5km swim: Men
1st Logan Kaye 54:06
2nd Matthew Galea 54:07
3rd Jake Andrews 54:19
5km swim: Women
1st Tayla Martin 58:54
2nd Emily Miers 59:59
3rd Jeanette Brits 1:03:05